Justification

Romans 4:13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations"*) in the presence of Him whom he believed--God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be."

Life is inherently unfair, and unfairness is most often dealt with by pleas for “Justice!”

When an injustice has occurred, how may it be overcome? Of course that would be through justice, and punishment for the sin which has resulted in the injustice which has occurred. But does the punishment ever overcome the crime? Is justice ever really attained? Has anyone ever been un-murdered, or un-raped, un-thieved, or un-molested by meting out of punishment?

And what about you? Since we are all sinners, (and we all carry a deep awareness of our sinfulness,) what means of justice would you propose for yourself to overcome your sin? Would you seek justice for yourself - in all those cases of injustice you have practiced? Could you somehow work off that debt of sin and make it un-sin?

I think we clearly see the problem of seeking justice for others, when we have such self-knowledge of injustice within ourselves; our own forms of cruelty, and prejudice, and angry thoughts, let alone the pettiness and plain un-godliness of some of our actions. How could any of that be overcome by some work we may attempt to perform – especially when we then become prideful about the work we have performed in doing what we perceive to be ‘good?’

God deals with injustice in a way no man could ever conceive. Man’s concept for injustice is to make it just, to punish it rightly. To punish injustice to the degree it does not occur again. God’s concept of justice brings justification. What? Justification takes place at the intersection of justice, mercy, and grace. It is the most magnificent intersection in the recorded history of man. Justification does not cover sin - it eliminates the recording of it. It expunges the record. My God, Who has witnessed my sin, now tells me He will die to pay the punishment for it. And – He tells me I cannot work to achieve it, I can only believe it. I can either place my faith in His justification - or receive His justice. One leads to life - the other to death. It is my choice which I will seek. Praise be to God, this is great news! I shall be free of my sin.

- Pastor Bill